I am trying to order my first macbook and I and trying to determine what processor I need. I do a lot of word and PowerPoint, but I also do some video editing. Could I get by with an i5 or is it just much better to go with the i7? Is it worth it for the $180 difference (edu pricing)? Thanks for the help
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rMBP i7 or i5
- Thread starter Rickdj4
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You could probably stick with the i5. I presume this is the 15"?
The i7 is mostly good at cutting down video render times. It's not a necessity, and will use up more power.
The i5 is fine for just about everyone. It'll suit your uses well.
The 15" rMBP only comes with i7 processors.
The i5 Haswell is much faster than many previous processors. So the i5 is probably sufficient for your usage. Turbo Boost increases the CPU speed, if necessary (video editing, and so on).
Buy more RAM for the ≈ $180. That's my advice.
Hmm I was expecting you didn't do video work.
You could probably benefit from an i7 when rendering video.
If you were doing anything else I would have said the i5 but now I'm leaning towards the i7.
i5 would be fine, but it would be a little slower for video work. Up to you.
If I had to pick for myself I would say i5 and save the $180 for just home video, and wait the extra couple minutes of rendering.
You could probably benefit from an i7 when rendering video.
If you were doing anything else I would have said the i5 but now I'm leaning towards the i7.
i5 would be fine, but it would be a little slower for video work. Up to you.
If I had to pick for myself I would say i5 and save the $180 for just home video, and wait the extra couple minutes of rendering.
What format and camera do you use?
Will you color grade the footage?
Are just using imovie?
Going to an i7 in the 13" rMBP really doesn't add anything significant beyond the extra increase in clock speed. All the dual core chips in that line have hyperthreading, even the i5 models. It's not like the iMac where you gain HT and double the number of logical cores.
In other words, save the money or use it to upgrade the RAM or SSD size.
In other words, save the money or use it to upgrade the RAM or SSD size.
Agreed. The RAM and SSD are where upgrade dollars should be going. I have an i5 based rMBP from early 2014 and it screams.